Talent and Age

In the last month I have spoken to three people, all in their 50s, who have lost their jobs. The common thread? They all alleged age-related issues and all said to me something like: “At my age it will be very difficult for me to get another job.” (My highlight) Now I don’t know how much of that is true. What I do know is that, according to David Clutterbuck, the only thing that matters in the managing of talent business is ‘The Three As’: Aspiration (what do people want from their job? This includes passion and motivation), Ability to learn and Applied energy (he says there are people in their 20s with little energy and there are people in their 70s with a lot). Is there any evidence, anywhere, that a person in their 50s might not have Aspiration, Ability to learn and Applied energy?